What to focus on in your garden in March

As winter loosens its grip and signs of spring emerge, March is an important month for gardeners in Scotland. The days are getting longer, temperatures are slowly rising, and it’s time to prepare for the growing season ahead. Whether you have a vegetable patch, a flower garden, or a wildlife-friendly space, here’s what you should focus on in your garden this month.

1. Tidy up after winter

Winter can leave your garden looking a little worse for wear, so start the season with a good tidy-up:

• Clear fallen leaves and debris from flower beds and lawns to prevent pests and diseases from taking hold.
• Cut back dead growth from perennials and ornamental grasses to make way for new shoots.
• Remove weeds early before they have a chance to establish themselves.

If you have fruit trees, check for any damaged or diseased branches and prune as necessary.

2. Prepare your soil

Scottish soil can be heavy and wet after the winter, so improving its condition is key to a successful growing season:

• Turn over the soil in beds and borders, incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
• Mulch around trees, shrubs, and perennials to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Test your soil’s pH if you plan to grow acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, or blueberries. If needed, add lime to raise the pH or sulphur to lower it.

3. Planting and sowing

March is a busy month for planting, with plenty of opportunities to get ahead in the garden:

• Vegetables – Directly sow hardy vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, onions, spinach, and broad beans. Start tender crops like tomatoes, chillies, and aubergines indoors.
• Summer-flowering bulbs – Plant lilies, gladioli, and dahlias for a colourful summer display.
• Perennials – Divide and replant established perennials like hostas, daylilies, and delphiniums to encourage healthy growth.
• Potatoes – Early potatoes can be planted in well-drained soil towards the end of the month.

For those in colder parts of Scotland, using a cloche or fleece can help protect young plants from late frosts.

4. Lawn care

March marks the beginning of lawn maintenance season:

• Rake away moss and thatch to improve air circulation and promote healthy growth.
• Mow the lawn if the grass is dry enough, keeping the mower blade high for the first few cuts.
• Apply a spring lawn feed to encourage strong, green growth.

If your lawn has suffered from winter waterlogging, consider aerating it with a garden fork to improve drainage.

5. Pruning and general maintenance

Pruning helps promote healthy growth and encourages better flowering later in the year:

• Prune roses to remove dead or weak stems and shape the plant for strong new growth.
• Trim evergreen hedges and shrubs before birds start nesting, but check carefully for active nests first.
• Tidy up climbers and trellises by tying in new shoots and cutting back any wayward growth.
• Check garden tools – Clean and sharpen blades ready for the busy season ahead.

6. Wildlife and sustainability

Encouraging wildlife in your garden can help maintain a natural balance:

• Put up bird boxes and feeders to support birds as they start nesting.
• Leave some areas wild – A patch of long grass or a pile of logs provides shelter for insects and small animals.
• Plant nectar-rich flowers like crocuses, primroses, and heather to attract early pollinators.
• Start a compost bin if you haven’t already, to recycle garden waste into nutrient-rich compost.

March is a month of renewal in the garden, and a little preparation now will set the stage for a successful growing season. Whether you’re sowing seeds, tidying up, or encouraging wildlife, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Take advantage of the longer days and fresh spring air to get outside and enjoy your garden as it wakes up for the year ahead.

Happy gardening!